Wild leaves Boundary Park…and tells us why

INTERIM head coach Pete Wild has explained why he quit Oldham Athletic after 12 years at Boundary Park.

And the Royton-based Wild also pinpointed what Latics need to achieve success as Abdallah Lemsagam looks for a fifth manager in less than two years as owner.

Wild, said: “When you look at the success Keith Hill had at Rochdale it was over a period of time in which he was left to build something.

“This club needs something like that if it is to be successful. In the last five-and-a-half years there has been 12 managers and the problem is screaming you in the face.”

Wild, who was previously coached at Royton Town, called for continuity adding that to achieve that will require patience to stick with the next manager through thick and thin.

He also described why he decided to leave.

Wild explained: “It was a bold one, but it was a gut feeling and I felt it was the right one.

“The club have their direction and I tried to adhere to it. It was time to let them get on with that direction and let me re-evaluate what my direction is.

“I felt the time was right to make a clean break and look where my career goes from here. It was an emotional and sad day but I felt the time was right and it was time to go.”

Of Latics’ well documented problems, Wild claimed he did not know about a lot of the things that were reported on, adding they are not dissimilar to other clubs in the North West.

He continued: “Lower league clubs have to do things in a certain way and sometimes you have to leave things to the last minute due to availability.

“Some might think it is madness but it is lower league football and you have to find solutions.”

Wild added he shook hands with Mr Lemsagam and left on amicable terms and he would be welcome back.

He said: “Not many clubs would have given me the opportunity but they gave it to me twice.

“I was the only coach left in the building so maybe I was fortunate but it was a privilege to manage my team for 17 games over two periods.”

Wild had two spells in temporary charge following the departures of Frankie Bunn and Paul Scholes. He brought stability in a season of turmoil as he won eight and drew three of his 17 games and had an impressive win percentage of 47.06.

The highlight was plotting the Emirates FA Cup, third-round win at Premier League Fulham having originally bought a ticket and intending to sit with Latics’ fans. Instead he was in the technical area locking horns with the legendary Claudio Ranieri.

Wild has not ruled out a future return, explaining: “Never say never and I like to think I left on good terms and not to boos and hisses to they would let me back in.

“My direction and the club’s direction would have to be the same – I am not saying they are not the same. It would have to be right on both sides.”

Wild added he will remain an “avid fan” and will still go to games joking maybe supporters may buy him a pint.

He added he wants to take time out and spend time with his father Peter who is not in good health.

“Working for Oldham Athletic doesn’t mean I have money in the bank and I can sit at home for a long period of time. I will have to reassess and look forward to a new challenge,” Wild concluded.

In a statement, Latics said the decision was made for “personal reasons”.

It statement read: “The club would like to place on record a special thanks to Pete for his time and efforts recently as head coach, as well as his first spell in caretaker charge earlier in the 2018-19 season which included the memorable FA Cup victory at Fulham, in addition to his excellent work with the academy set up over the years.”

Mr Lemsagam added: “Pete worked extremely hard for this club of which I am grateful for, but came to me today (Tues, May 7) saying he wants to spend some time away from football.

“He’s a great guy. I’m sad to see him go and would’ve liked him to stay with the club but I respect his decision and wish him well for the future.”

The club said an update on the new management team will be made in due course.